WMMZ History
Thanks to Marc
Tyll for this history of WMMZ.WMMZ-FM began
broadcasting on November 7, 1960 at 93.7 mHz, with 4,200 watts, co-owned with
country giant legend WMOP-AM 900. The format was Pop and remained with
that format until 1973 when WMOP-FM increased its power to 100,000 watts
and changed its call letters to WFUZ--named to honor the area's police
officers. Kirk considers the development of the FM station in this area as one
his greatest accomplishments.
At that time, WFUZ became Ocalaís first and only Easy Listening station
with special Big Band programming in the afternoons. Big Daddy Miles Foland,
a long time broadcast legend in Cincinnati, had retired to Ocala years earlier
and was the afternoon air talent on WTMC-AM 1290. WFUZ's owner,
"Country" Jim Kirk, lured Big Daddy away from WTMC
to host the afternoon Big Band show on the new 100,000 watt WFUZ.
Programming on WFUZ remained easy listening until 1983 when it was
decided to switch the nighttime programming to country to better compete against
another FM country station that recently commenced 24-hour operations. However,
the daytime on WFUZ remained Easy Listening until 1985. Thatís when
Country Jim decided it was time to sell the FM, and a switch was made to
full-time Adult Contemporary. The new owners, Dix Communications,
constructed a new transmitter plant and studio in 1986. The call letters were
changed to WMMZ and it became a cult following CHR known as "Z-93".
The New CHR "Z-93" remained a hit until it all came to an end
in March of 1994. Thatís when Dix Communications decided to take 93.7
in a different direction. So a new general manager and staff was hired. The call
letters were once again changed, this time to WOGK, and the format became
a mix of modern and classic country, known as "K-Country, 93FM".